Spotlight 02-21-12, Vol. 74, No. 8

Brighton Rotary Spotlight

Jane McManus, President

February 21, 2012, Vol. 74, No.8

Guests:           Brian Bradford, Liv. Sunrise Rotary; Mike Murphy, Liv. Sunrise Rotary; Brad Amiot, Financial Planner; Paulina & Liz Devlin, Suzanne Fischer, Emily Riesterer, BHS Interact.

Announcements:

Happy Birthday to Julie Fessler!

Happy 39^th Anniversary to Melanie & George Moses!  In recognition of this milestone, Melanie & George were joined by President Jane & Mike, and Sharon & Tom Zizka to reenact the cake feeding ritual enjoyed at weddings (such as that which will be seen at Tony N’ Tina’s Wedding on Saturday)

Rotarians celebrating membership anniversaries during February included:  Jason Huntley, 10 years; Ed Bottum, 14 years; Jane McManus, 24 years; Bill McCririe, 34 years, & Bill Metz, 42 years!!

Michael Bourke reported that his parents were recently in Peru and enjoyed dinner with honorary Rotarian Cindy Snyder.

Pam McConeghy mentioned that because her new office at the Chamber of Commerce was formerly an operating room of the old Mellus Hospital, she was looking for an operating room lamp.  Piet Lindhout searched high and low but could not find an affordable & functional one, so he created one!  It looks fantastic, and photos were circulated among members with many oohs and aahs!

Piet LIndhout observed that every Raider has a tool fetish, and Peggi Tuggle also captured the fever at the last Raider build.  Piet presented the Riaders with two palm nailers and Peggi was given her own personal nailer to use on future jobs—a pink one!  Peggi says that her life is now complete!

The District Membership Summit held on Saturday was greatly enriched by the participation of the following members¨ Ed Bottum, Don Homan, Adrienne Knack, Piet Lindhout, Mike McManus & George Moses.  Thank you!

Interact Liaison Bill Gartley reported that the recent practice ACT held at Brighton High School raised approximately $3,000 toward scholarships. 

Junior Achievement begins next week and Mike Bourke still seeks one more teacher.  Please contact him if you are able to volunteer.

Bowling for Big Brothers-Big Sisters in March will be Rotarians Bill Anderson, Rachel Bhathena,Jeff Toole, Peggi Tuggle and Mitch Zoldowski. Pledge sheets will be circulated in the next few weeks.

 Greg Strouse shared information this week’s Polar Plunge for Special Olympics on February 26^th at Brighton High School’s Leith Lake.  Our own Peggi Tuggle will brave the cold for this good cause.  More information can be found at www.facebook.com/brightonPolarPlunge.

Rotary Minute:  February 23^rd marks Rotary International’s 107^th birthday.

Upcoming Events:

02/25/12    6:30pm            Tony n’Tina’s Wedding at the Johnson Center, Cleary University

04/22/12                            District Conference in Holland, MI

05/5-9/12                           Rotary International Conference in Thailand

Program:

Program host Cathy Riesterer introduced Brighton High School Interact members Paulina Devlin, President, Emily Riesterer, Treasurer, Suzanne Fischer, Junior Representative & Vice-President-elect, and Liz Devlin, Sophomore Representative & Secretary-elect.  With a theme of celebrating “New Generations,” the fifth avenue of service for Rotarians, the speakers outlined their recent activities at Brighton High School.  The Practice ACT is a partnership between Interact and the Sylven Learning Center.  Twice a year, students are given the opportunity to take a practice ACT test with all proceeds donated to the Rotary Scholarship Fund.  Approximately 150 students participate in the Fall test, and 75 students participate in the Winter test.  Relay for Life, in support of the American Cancer Society, involves participation from all Interact members.  This year, Interact is partnering with the Junior Optimist Youth (JOY) club to share fundraising efforts for the May 19-20, 2012 relay.  The International Youth Exchange Christmas Party is a sleepover for area exchange students and Interact members to foster the exchange of ideas and learn about international cultural traditions.  Other Interact volunteer opportunities include participation in the Day of Caring with the Rotary Raiders, the SELCRA Daddy-Daughter Dance with 1,100 attendees, Elementary School Family Fun Night staffing, sponsoring a DVD collection drive for Mott Children’s Hospital in Ann Arbor, and providing fresh-baked cookies for Brighton-based emergency responders.  Each member of interact donates at least 20 hours of community service each year.  The Club has approximately sixty members who regularly attend all meetings.  Future plans include the incorporation of speakers into their weekly meetings and to encourage Brighton Rotary Club members to attend and share their expertise with the high school students.  Special recognition was given to Bill Gartley, Cathy Riesterer, BHS faculty sponsor Ms. Costa, and BHS principal Mr. Johnson.

Progressive 50/50 Drawing $1,685 pot in week 14, 13 cards remain. Bill Metz drew the nine of hears; Ron Hagen drew the ace of clubs, and Terry Gill drew the eight of spades.